Vigilante Is Coming To 'Arrow' — Here's Everything You Need To Know About Star City's New Hero!

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(Disclaimer: Spoilers for Arrow season 5 ahead! Continue at your own risk!)

Arrow is back with a vengeance, and it's not skimping on the heroes. The show has already introduced Wild Dog, Artemis, Mister Terrific, Ragman, and Human Target this season, and even more are on the horizon. It seems that our friendly neighborhood archer has inspired one more masked hero, who will make his first appearance the in episode 'Vigilante'. This new hero has already been introduced on the show — he just wasn't suited up yet.

Watch the promo for 'Vigilante' below:

This new vigilante on the streets of Star City is the #DCComics character #Vigilante. He might not have a wholly original name, but he has been around in the comics since the early '80s, and has somewhat of a cult following. Vigilante's alter ego — at least in this incarnation — is Adrian Chase. If that name sounds familiar to you, it's because he is also Mayor Queen's district attorney, whom we were introduced to earlier in the season. Let's take a look at Adrian Chase/Vigilante's origin story to get a better idea of how he will fit in with Oliver and company once he suits up.

Who Is Adrian Chase/Vigilante?

Image - DC Comis

Adrian Chase first appeared in 1983 in #TeenTitans annual number 2, but quickly moved on and received his own title. His origin story is pretty standard — however, his journey as a vigilante is wholly unique. His comic book run tackled ideas of guilt, responsibility, and the very real repercussions of his actions. He is a multi-layered character, who is strongly rooted in the real world.

Image - DC Comics

Adrian Chase was a district attorney who sought justice after his family was killed by mobsters. He felt that the justice system wasn't working, so he decided to take matters into his own hands, and he donned the mantle of Vigilante. Chase has no super-powers, but he is very skilled at hand-to-hand combat and is an expert marksman. He implements these skills and uses his superior wit to take down his foes.

When Chase became Vigilante, he began his crime fighting career using non-lethal means. So far, so standard; however, things quickly escalated when a police officer died as a direct result of his actions. This caused him an extreme amount of guilt, which he has never truly overcome. As time passed he grew more reckless, not caring about collateral damage or the safety of others.

Image - DC Comics

As the years went by, the violence he had wrought had begun to haunt him. He became mentally unstable, suffered from extreme paranoia, and even killed innocent people who got in his way. He continued to devolve until in the final issue of his comic book, when an extremely distraught Adrian Chase took his own life.

Vigilante On 'Arrow'

Images: NBC, DC Comics

Adrian Chase has already made his debut on Arrow and is portrayed by Josh Segarra (Sirens, Chicago P.D.). He is Oliver's district attorney, and in more recent episodes, has warmed up to the idea of crime fighting — at least when in comes to the Green Arrow. Episode 7 of Season 5 will mark his first appearance in the Vigilante costume, and his first face-to-face with Team Arrow.

There is not much information on what his role will be moving forward. There is the option that Chase could join Oliver's ragtag team of superheroes. However, if the show follows the Vigilante story-line from the comics, It's not likely to happen. Josh Segarra spoke with ComicBook.com regarding how much the comic book will influence his portrayal and character arc of Vigilante on Arrow:

So when I started reading Vigilante comics, there were little parts where I was like 'I hope I get to do this,' or 'I hope I get to go down this road,' and so far I'm getting to do a lot of those things.

Image - DC Comics

If Segarra's comments are true, then Arrow is about to got a lot more interesting. The show has already surpassed the last two seasons, and appears to be getting better with each passing episode. The addition of a complex and compelling character like Vigilante, is only going to create more depth, and make Arrow that much better. You can catch Arrow on Wednesdays 8PM/ET on the CW network.

Sound Off! Are you excited about the addition of Vigilante on Arrow? Let it be known in the comments section below!